Queensland’s commitment to strengthening its community health workforce has taken a significant step forward with enhanced funding opportunities through the Career Start and Career Boost programs. From July 2025, these initiatives will provide substantial financial support for Community Health and Community Services (CHC) qualifications, making professional development more accessible than ever before.
The Queensland Government’s investment in workforce development addresses the growing demand for skilled community health professionals across the state. These programs replace previous funding schemes and offer streamlined pathways for both new entrants and existing workers to advance their careers in this rewarding sector.
Quick Takeaways
- Career Start provides access to Certificate III qualifications in priority industries from July 2025
- Career Boost offers funding for Certificate IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma CHC courses
- Existing workers in community services and health sectors receive priority access to specific programs
- Students can access up to two subsidised training places under Career Start
- Career Boost participants may access one funded qualification plus up to two funded skill sets
- Specific eligibility requirements apply including age, residency, and prior qualification restrictions
- Many CHC courses require existing worker status for subsidised rates
Understanding Queensland’s New Funding Framework
The Career Start program represents Queensland’s most comprehensive approach to entry-level vocational training. Beginning July 2025, this initiative supports Queenslanders entering their first post-school qualifications or transitioning into skilled employment roles.
Career Start provides eligible participants with access to Certificate III qualifications in priority and emerging industries, including community health services. The program specifically targets job seekers and those seeking to advance from lower-skilled positions into more specialised roles within the healthcare and community services sectors.
Community health workers providing essential services in Queensland
Career Start Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Career Start funding, applicants must meet several specific criteria established by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training
Age and Residency Requirements:
- Aged 15 years or older
- No longer enrolled as a school student
- Permanent Queensland resident
- Australian citizen, permanent resident, humanitarian entrant, or eligible temporary resident
Education and Training Restrictions:
- Not currently enrolled in another qualification (foundation skills training exempted)
- No Certificate III or higher qualification completed within the last 10 years
- Qualifications completed as school students and foundation skills do not count toward this restriction
Training Allocation Limits:
Under Career Start, participants may access up to two subsidised training places through specific pathways. These include either a Certificate III qualification under the general training pathway combined with an apprenticeship or traineeship, or two apprenticeships/traineeships at Certificate II or III level.
Career Boost: Advancing Professional Development
The Career Boost program targets individuals ready to progress to higher-level qualifications. This funding stream supports Certificate IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma qualifications, making it particularly valuable for community health workers seeking career advancement.
Career Boost participants may access one funded training place in either Certificate IV, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma qualifications under the general training pathway. Additionally, the program provides access to up to two funded skill sets in priority industries or sectors.
General Training Pathway Requirements
Career Boost eligibility follows similar principles to Career Start but with higher qualification thresholds:^3
Basic Eligibility:
- Aged 15 years or older
- Not currently enrolled as a school student
- Permanent Queensland resident
- Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder
Qualification Restrictions:
- No Certificate IV or higher qualification completed within the last 10 years
- Not currently enrolled in another qualification
- Foundation skills qualifications exempt from these restrictions
Apprenticeship Limitations:
Students who have already accessed two apprenticeships or traineeships through school-based programs or Career Start within the last 10 years cannot undertake additional apprenticeships under Career Boost.
Queensland training facilities for CHC courses
CHC Courses Available Under Queensland Funding
The Community Health and Community Services (CHC) training package offers diverse pathways for individuals entering or advancing within the health and community services sectors. Training.gov.au lists comprehensive CHC qualifications available under Queensland funding programs.
Certificate III Level Qualifications
Career Start funding supports several Certificate III CHC qualifications, providing entry-level pathways into community health roles:
CHC30121 – Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
This qualification prepares graduates for roles as early childhood educators in regulated education and care services. The program covers child development, educational programming, and safety procedures.
CHC32015 – Certificate III in Community Services
Designed for entry-level community service workers, this qualification covers basic support services for individuals and families. Graduates can work as community support workers, welfare assistants, or family support workers.
CHC33021 – Certificate III in Individual Support
Available in specialisations including ageing, disability, or combined ageing and disability support. This qualification is particularly relevant given Queensland’s ageing population and the expansion of the NDIS.
Certificate IV Qualifications Under Career Boost
Career Boost funding provides access to several Certificate IV CHC qualifications, many requiring existing worker status:
CHC42021 – Certificate IV in Community Services
This qualification targets existing workers in community services and health industries, including parents and unpaid carers of NDIS participants. The program develops advanced skills in case management, service coordination, and client support.
CHC43315 – Certificate IV in Mental Health
Open to individuals seeking specialisation in mental health support services. This qualification provides skills for working with people experiencing mental health challenges across various settings.
CHC40221 – Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
Designed for education support staff working in school environments. The qualification covers learning support, behaviour management, and educational assistance.
CHC40321 – Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention
Targeted at workers in child protection, family services, and youth intervention programs. This qualification requires specific industry experience and provides advanced intervention skills.
CHC40421 – Certificate IV in Youth Work
Specialises in youth engagement, program development, and support services for young people. Graduates work in youth centres, community organisations, and government agencies.
Diploma Level Qualifications
Career Boost supports advanced CHC qualifications for experienced practitioners:
CHC52021 – Diploma of Community Services
Available to existing workers in community services and health industries. This qualification develops management and coordination skills for senior practitioner roles.
CHC50121 – Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Qualifies graduates as early childhood teachers in education and care services. This diploma represents the highest non-degree qualification in early childhood education.
CHC50221 – Diploma of School Age Education and Care
Focuses on out-of-school hours care, vacation care, and school-age program management.
Existing Worker Requirements and Exemptions
Many CHC qualifications under Career Boost funding require existing worker status, reflecting the practical nature of community health and social services work. The Queensland Government defines existing workers broadly to include various categories.
Existing Worker Definitions
Community Services and Health Industry Workers:
- Current employees in community service organisations
- Health service employees
- Government agency workers in relevant departments
- Parents and unpaid carers of NDIS participants
- Volunteers with substantial regular involvement
Small Business Exemptions:
Certain qualifications, such as the Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business, require applicants to be owners, managers, or employees of Queensland small businesses.
Cultural Exemptions:
The Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice restricts eligibility to individuals who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
Career guidance and qualification pathways for CHC students
Application Process and Course Selection
Accessing Queensland’s CHC funding requires careful planning and understanding of the application pathways. The Queensland Government eligibility checker provides a personalised assessment of funding options.
Skills Assure Suppliers
Training delivery occurs through Skills Assure Suppliers (SAS), which are government-contracted registered training organisations. These providers maintain quality standards and deliver subsidised training across Queensland.
Major SAS providers offering CHC qualifications include:
- TAFE Queensland (comprehensive statewide delivery)
- CQUniversity (multiple campus locations)
- Various private registered training organisations
Course Commencement and Duration
Unlike traditional semester-based systems, many CHC programs offer flexible commencement dates. Training providers typically allow learners up to 18 months to complete Certificate III qualifications.
Work placement requirements vary by qualification:
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care: 160 hours
- Certificate IV qualifications: Typically 100-200 hours depending on specialisation
- Diploma qualifications: 280-400 hours across multiple placements
Cost Structure and Co-contributions
While government funding covers substantial course costs, students typically pay co-contribution fees. The Queensland Skills Gateway publishes detailed fee structures:
Certificate III Qualifications:
- Concessional students: $1,000-$2,500 (estimated range)
- Non-concessional students: $1,500-$3,500 (estimated range)
Certificate IV Qualifications:
- Concessional students: $2,000-$4,000 (estimated range)
- Non-concessional students: $3,000-$6,000 (estimated range)
Diploma Qualifications:
- Concessional students: $4,000-$8,000 (estimated range)
- Non-concessional students: $6,000-$10,000 (estimated range)
Career Pathways and Employment Outcomes
CHC qualifications provide pathways into Queensland’s fastest-growing employment sectors. The community services industry requires an estimated 1.6 million workers by 2025.
Entry-Level Career Options
Certificate III graduates can pursue roles including:
- Community support worker
- Disability support worker
- Aged care assistant
- Early childhood educator
- Family support assistant
- Youth program assistant
Progressive Career Development
Certificate IV qualifications open advanced practitioner roles:
- Senior community support worker
- Case manager
- Program coordinator
- Mental health support worker
- Education support officer
- Youth program leader
Management and Leadership Pathways
Diploma-level qualifications prepare graduates for:
- Service coordinators
- Team leaders
- Program managers
- Policy development officers
- Training and development roles
- Senior practitioners in specialised areas
Regional and Remote Access Initiatives
Queensland’s geography presents unique challenges for training delivery. The Career Start and Career Boost programs include specific provisions for regional and remote access.
Location Loadings
The Department of Trade, Employment and Training provides location loadings to Skills Assure Suppliers delivering face-to-face training in regional and remote areas. These loadings support:
- Cape York communities
- Torres Strait regions
- Designated remote Queensland locations
Online Delivery Options
Many CHC qualifications offer online components, enabling rural and remote students to access training without relocating. Blended delivery models combine online theory with local work placements and periodic face-to-face assessments.
Integration with National Programs
Queensland’s CHC funding integrates with national workforce development initiatives, maximising opportunities for students and addressing skills shortages across Australia.
Fee-Free TAFE Coordination
The Australian Government’s Fee-Free TAFE program operates alongside Queensland initiatives. Certain CHC qualifications receive full federal funding, including:
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Disability, or combined)
NDIS Workforce Development
CHC qualifications align with National Disability Insurance Scheme workforce requirements. Many programs specifically address NDIS service provision, ensuring graduates meet scheme standards and can work with NDIS participants.
Financial Planning and Support Options
Understanding the full cost of CHC training extends beyond course fees to include living expenses, materials, and work placement requirements.
Additional Costs to Consider
Work Placement Expenses:
- Travel to placement locations
- Professional clothing and equipment
- Police checks and Working with Children clearances
- Professional registration fees where applicable
Study Materials:
- Textbooks and digital resources
- Computer access and internet connectivity
- Stationery and assessment materials
Payment Options and Support
Many training providers offer flexible payment arrangements:
- Direct debit instalments
- Credit card payments
- Interest-free student loans through providers like Catalyst Plus
- VET Student Loans for higher-level qualifications
Financial Hardship Assistance:
Students experiencing financial difficulty may access:
- Course fee deferrals
- Payment plan modifications
- Emergency financial assistance through training providers
- Additional support for students from priority groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study a CHC course if I’m currently working in a different industry?
Yes, Career Start is specifically designed for individuals entering new industries or advancing from lower-skilled roles. You don’t need existing experience in community health services to commence Certificate III qualifications under Career Start funding.
What happens if I already have a qualification but it’s older than 10 years?
Qualifications completed more than 10 years ago don’t affect your eligibility for Career Start or Career Boost funding. The 10-year restriction only applies to recent qualifications, ensuring priority access for those without current credentials.
Do I need to find my own work placement for CHC courses?
Placement arrangements vary by training provider and qualification. Some providers have established partnerships with employers and will assist with placement coordination. Others require students to arrange their own placements with provider approval. Always clarify placement support during enrolment.
Can I access both Career Start and Career Boost funding?
Yes, but with restrictions. If you complete a Certificate III under Career Start, you may later access Career Boost for higher-level qualifications, provided you meet eligibility requirements and haven’t exceeded the maximum number of subsidised training places.
Are there any age restrictions for CHC course funding?
The minimum age is 15 years, and you must have left school. There’s no upper age limit for either Career Start or Career Boost funding, making these programs accessible to mature-age students seeking career changes or advancement.
Share this guide with others planning their community health career journey! Your social media connections might benefit from learning about these funding opportunities.
Helpful Resources
- Queensland Government Funded Training – Official information on all funded training programs
- CHC Community Services Training Package – Comprehensive qualification details and unit requirements
- Queensland Skills Gateway – Course search and provider information
- My Aged Care – Information on aged care services and career pathways
- National Disability Insurance Scheme – NDIS workforce and service provider information
Related Articles
- How to Enrol at Aspire To Succeed
- RPL & Credit Transfer: Fast-Track Your Community Services Qualification
Queensland Government-funded training programs provide unprecedented opportunities for individuals seeking careers in community health and social services. The Career Start and Career Boost initiatives represent a significant investment in workforce development, addressing critical skills shortages while supporting individual career aspirations. From July 2025, these programs will offer clear pathways from entry-level positions through to advanced practitioner roles, ensuring Queensland’s community health sector remains strong and responsive to community needs.